Firestone to again sponsor charity event

For the third straight year, the Firestone Racing Evening of Giving Benefit Concert and Charity Auction is ready to drop the green flag on the must-attend May social and charitable event schedule surrounding the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. The third annual Firestone Racing Evening of Giving returns to The Music Mill on the city’s north side, on the evening of Tuesday, May 6.

Presented by WTTS 92.3 FM, the Firestone Racing Evening of Giving features live and silent auctions of racing items benefiting three important local children’s charities, appearances and autograph sessions involving IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and U.S. Auto Club drivers and celebrities, food, drink and fun. The entertainment highlight of the evening features a concert by popular local soul-blues singer Jennie DeVoe.

The Evening of Giving runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at The Music Mill, 3720 East 82nd Street, just east of Keystone at the Crossing. The autograph session at 7:30 p.m. is scheduled to include current and past racing stars. The live auction begins at 8 p.m. and the silent auction runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the Evening of Giving benefit Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, Racing for Corey and IRL Kids.

Admission is $40 per person at the door with donations encouraged (must be 18 years or older to attend). Group tickets of 35 are $900 and 20 for $600. Event sponsorship with VIP reception is also available. Donations are tax deductible, but space is limited. For advance tickets and sponsorship information, call (317) 356-7279.

Racing for Corey, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charity, was founded in 1999 in memory of a 9-year-old Indiana Children’s Wish child, Corey Hanchar. Corey was granted a wish from Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and received a red quarter-midget car. With the help of KECO Coatings and Indy-car driver Tyce Carlson, Corey’s wish came true. Now his inspiration continues through various Racing for Corey events. www.racingforcorey.com

Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charity established in 1984, grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 2-19, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Wishes include: trips to Disney, shopping sprees, home computers, meeting celebrities and much more. To date, the Wish Fund has granted nearly 1,800 wishes for Indiana children. www.indianachildrenswishfund.org

A not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1988, IRL Kids’ on-site childcare program has become a significant part of the racing community. Provided to all participants of the Indy Racing League, through IRL Kids, families have the opportunity to stay together while traveling the IRL circuit. IRL Kids is an activity-based program that provides a safe environment just for kids, with activities, lunch, snacks, toys and fun. IRL Kids will care for more than 250 children this year alone.